The specified phrase refers to the absence of a National Football League franchise located within the state of Oregon. Despite Oregon’s demonstrated interest in professional sports, with strong support for its major league soccer and basketball teams, it currently lacks representation in the NFL. This situation differs from neighboring states like Washington and California, which both host multiple NFL teams.
The lack of an NFL team in Oregon presents both disadvantages and potential opportunities. The state misses out on the economic benefits associated with hosting a major league sports franchise, including job creation, increased tourism, and associated revenue streams. However, this absence also allows Oregon to avoid the costs and controversies often linked to publicly funded stadium construction and ongoing operational expenses of such a team. Historically, the state’s smaller market size and competition from established teams in nearby states have likely hindered efforts to attract an NFL franchise.